March 5, 1997 - Langston Hughes was a pillar of the Harlem Renaissence who wrote poetry about the struggles of the ordinary african american. His first novel, "Not Without Laughter" has been described as one of the best coming of age stories ever written about the black american experience. Now the Children's Theater in Minneapolis is attempting the first ever stage production of the novel.
February 17, 1997 - This time of year one might envy Roseville resident Cindy Herman. Herman is spending her winter in sunny climes aboard a cruise ship, and she's getting paid for it. Herman is the only woman drummer, now music director, for a cruise line, in her case Crystal Cruises. As part of our series called Odd Jobs, Mary Stucky visited with Herman recently while she was spending a few days off here at home. Herman says she got her start in the Roseville school music program.
November 20, 1996 - MPR’s Mary Stucky reports on local poetry book "The Palm of My Heart," which collects vivid poetry by African American children who live in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
September 10, 1996 - Staff at Milkweed Editions , the Minneapolis-based publishing house got quite a shock last year. They donated a thousand children's books to Twin Cities fourth and fifth graders, only to discover that the children couldn't read the books. Many were three grade levels behind in their reading. And so in what might be a natural for a publisher, Milkweed got into the business of promoting literacy. But as Mary Stucky reports, they've taken an approach that's unique in the nation.
April 24, 1996 - Depending with whom you talk, American book publishing is either stronger than ever or nothing more than a tawdry extension of Hollywood. Americans bought a record number of books last year. And some say books available to the consumer are not any better nor any worse than years past. But as Mary Stucky reports, there's growing criticsm of publishers for just focusing on what sells.
April 23, 1996 - For many people who love books: the feel of them, the look of them and especially the way ideas take shape in them, its anathema to think books might one day come in an electronic form. But to others its the much- anticipated soon-to-be-realised inevitable future. Imagine being curled in bed, reading Jane Austin or Mark Twain, words blinking from a laptop computer. In this first of two reports on the future of the book, Mary Stucky talks to some of those who've been thinking the most about how technology may change the way we read.
February 5, 1996 - Hour 2 of Midmorning featuring Voices of Minnesota with Polly Mann, a political activist and Scott Minerbrook on "Divided To The Vein," his book about growing up in a biracial family.
March 22, 1995 - MPR’s Mary Stucky reports on Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton’s views on neighborhood schools. Some in community see it as a return to segregation, others as a community focus to strengthening schools.
October 2, 1980 - Actor Martin Sheen is volunteering his services as the narrator for a Twin Cities-made film on the effects of on Vietnam veterans of exposure to the toxic defoliant Agent Orange. The film's producer, Jim Gambone, joins Sheen for a live interview on the film and on Sheen's career.
August 25, 1980 - MPR’s Mary Stucky talks with various vendors and food lovers about saltwater taffy, lefse, Czech sausage, kolache, and Tom Thumb donuts, amongst other delicious fare at the Minnesota State Fair.